Platform / Application area 02

Microgrid.

Grid-connected, islandable or fully off-grid. The platform models the combined behaviour of generation, storage and load, including the system response at the moment of grid disconnection.

Load characteristics

In a microgrid, resilience is the primary requirement. The system is evaluated less on average cost than on its performance during the most adverse week of the year, so the twin must be run over a horizon long enough to capture that week.

Islanding and reconnection behaviour, not just steady-state energy balance
Autonomy measured in hours or days of critical load without generation
Seasonal asymmetry; a system sized on annual averages fails in the most adverse month
Mixed ownership and mixed load types on one bus
Remote sites where fuel logistics and maintenance access are the governing constraints
Backup generation retained in the design and dispatched only when the twin indicates that it is required

Islanded backup operation of a microgrid during a grid failure

Live

Sizing and islanding test

A highland community site in Tasmania on live resource data — a 1.8 MW solar array, a 900 kW wind cluster and a 6 MWh battery against a 1 MW load. Adjust any component size, then press Grid connected to island the system and observe the resilience that the selected sizing provides.

Platform modules

Engine configuration for this application area

Resource acquisition

Live irradiance and wind for the site from an open-access reanalysis archive, converted to PV output through a performance ratio and to wind output through a turbine power curve at hub height, with a simulator substituting for the feed if it becomes unavailable.

Design & sizing

Generation, storage and backup sized against the load and the autonomy requirement, with component specifications and concrete model recommendations.

Digital twin

Grid-connected and islanded operation, mode transitions, dispatch strategy simulation and N-1 resilience testing.

Feasibility

Comparison over the study horizon of design options — grid-only, hybrid grid with PV, wind and battery, and fully renewable islanded with backup — ranked on NPV, renewable share, resilience score and CO₂.

Data export

Short-term forecasting, long-term seasonal outlook and cost–benefit modules exportable as time series and reports.

Design basis

Standards and criteria applied

Wiring rules and protection coordination for the distribution network
Grid connection of inverter energy systems, including anti-islanding and reconnection requirements
PV array installation and DC-side safety, and wind turbine design and power-performance measurement
Battery energy storage installation and safety
Generating-set requirements for standby and prime-power backup
Substation and device communication protocols where SCADA integration is in scope

The applicable set is confirmed at kick-off and depends on jurisdiction, connection point and the reliability target agreed with you.

Apply the platform to your site.

Provide a site location and a load profile, and we will return a sized system and a performance trajectory over the agreed study horizon.

Request a demonstration →